by Ravenna, Ohio – For the first time since 1979, the Ravenna Ravens are conference champions in boys’ basketball, thanks to a 61-52 win over Woodridge on senior night.
It was a packed house at James L. Coll Gymnasium for Friday night’s action.
Ravenna jumped out to a 13-7 lead after one, as five different Ravens scored in the quarter. Those efforts would pay even further dividends in the second, as Ravenna connected time and time again from long range. The Ravens had four triples (two from Justice Haven, and one each from Maykai O’Neal and Marcus Gibson. That plus an outstanding defense gave Ravenna a 35-15 lead going into the halftime break, to the delight of the home crowd.
Woodridge would attempt to cut into their deficit as the third quarter began. Ravenna had a lead as big as 37-17 before the Bulldogs started to fight back. Owen Snyder and Branden Evans had a pair of buckets in the paint, and the defense stepped turned on the pressure. Ravenna had five different players score in the third quarter as well, leading 46-30 after three.
Woodridge was not done yet, as they cut into the lead in the fourth quarter. Freshman guard Branden Evens had eight points in the quarter, as did Anthony Helton. The Bulldogs started to press and double team, forcing multiple Ravenna turnovers and taking advantage on the other end. James Lehrer knocked down a triple to cut the lead down to 51-47.
However, Ravenna responded, thanks to a huge triple from Justice Haven, a steal and layup from Mason Ross, and a layup from Emmanuel Miller. This 6-0 run pushed the lead to double digits and the Ravens held on from there, clinching their first conference title since 1979.
The Ravens never trailed at any point on Friday night on their way to victory. Senior forward Justice Haven had 20 points to lead all scorers. Mason Ross added 12 points to go with seven boards and six assists. Ravenna (16-4, 11-2 Metro) travels to Crestwood Tuesday evening for a non-conference contest.
Woodridge (10-10, 10-3 Metro) travels to Tallmadge Tuesday evening for a non-conference contest. Branden Evans had 18 points to lead the Bulldogs. Junior Evan Duve had eight points and ten rebounds.
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